Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Afrikaans name: Umtamvuna Natuurreservaat

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Photo © Steven Herbert

KwaZulu-Natal

The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve lies along the northern bank of the Umtamvuna River which marks the boundary between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Many visitors to the reserve stay at nearby Port Edward.

The reserve is administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife who describe the reserve as a "botanical paradise". Certainly the lush vegetation and flowers are the lasting memories of a visit to the reserve.

A number of trails lead through the 3,247 hectare reserve. The hikes last from a few hours to a full day in duration. There is no accommodation in the reserve but there is plenty of accommodation available in the nearby coastal towns.

On the trails you may encounter mammals such as Baboon, Samango Monkey, Bushbuck, Blue Duiker and Reedbuck. Birders will also find plenty to look for.

Above - The reserve is covered in dense coastal forest

Photo © Steven Herbert

Why did you visit Umtamvuna? Birding? Hiking?

References and further reading

Wild Places of Natal - Author: Olive Shepherd - Published: 1989 - Page: 101

Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 210

Where to see Birds in KwaZulu-Natal - Author: Bennett and Herbert - Published: 1995 - Page: 57

On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 115

On Route - Explore South Africa region by region - 3rd edition - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 2014 - Page: 214

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Reader s Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 175

Places to Visit in Southern Africa - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1995 - Page: 143

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Reader s Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 163

Conolly s Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 198

Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 163

go! - Issue 151 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 120

Country Life - Issue 241 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 24

Chris and Tilde Stuart s Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 144

Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 86

Birding in Southern KwaZulu-Natal - Author: David Allan - Published: 0 - Page: 38

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

---

Top